(( idk if anybody needs this, but here’s a list of terminology that will pop up a lot on this blog. Content warning for cissexist bullshit ahead; the story puts a lot of focus on physiological differences between “men and women,” and the author is clearly only thinking about cis people when doing so (though ironically manages to heavily imply Isley is trans with this stupid stunt, so... yay?). Also BIG SPOILERS AHEAD. If you want to read the manga someday, peruse this list at your own risk. ))
Yoma/youma – A species of shapeshifter that disguise themselves as humans for the express purpose of preying on them. They primarily eat organs, but will take a bite out of other body parts now and then.
Yoki/youki – The energy that Yoma, Claymores, and Awakened Beings emit. It’s functionally roughly the same as aura in many media types, and has a variety of uses including (but not limited to) regeneration, shapeshifting, influencing each other’s movements, and sensing each other.
The Organization – A group of individuals dedicated to the study and eradication of Yoma. At least, that’s what they claim.
Claymore – An unofficial nickname for human/Yoma hybrid warriors created by the Organization. Even the weakest of these warriors are often just as strong as Yoma, and the strongest among them can easily manage hordes of Yoma on their own. Active warriors are assigned number ranks based on strength, with 1 being the strongest and 47 being the weakest. In modern times, they are exclusively female.
Silver Eyed Witch/Slayer – Another nickname for Claymores, based on their eerie metallic silver eyes.
Single Digit – Refers to Claymores ranked 1-9. Not only are they the strongest of the currently active warriors, but they’re granted authority over the lower ranks on missions when working together. Unlike the lower ranks, there is often a huge gap in strength between each Single Digit. So, for example, one might not be able to tell any real difference in ability between a 33 and a 39, there could easily be a world of difference between a 3 and a 4.
Male Era – Refers to the very first generation of Claymores, and so named because it was the only generation in which men could volunteer. As male warriors were discovered too prone to quickly Awakening, they were barred from being used in future generations.
Awakened Being – A Claymore that has (whether by accident or intentionally) given into their Yoma side and become full monster. Interestingly enough, while their diet and basic ability to shift between human and monster form are the same as a Yoma’s, they are much stronger than Yoma, and their true forms vary so wildly that they are not recognizable as a single species at a glance.
Abyssal One/Creature of the Abyss – Any Awakened Being that was ranked number 1 during their time as a Claymore. Though there are occasionally Awakeneds comparable in power, the Abyssal Ones are widely regarded as the strongest of their kind.
Powerful Three – A nickname given to the original Abyssals: Isley of the North, Riful of the West, and Luciela of the South. They are acknowledged by both other monsters and the Organization as monarchs of their respective regions.
The Forbidden Warriors – A nickname given to the preserved corpses of three Single Digits (each ranked number 1 of their respective generation) resurrected in a controversial experiment. These three–Dust Eater Cassandra, Roxanne of Love and Hate, and Hysteria the Elegant–later Awakened. Like the Powerful Three, they are considered Abyssal Ones.
Half-Awakened – A Claymore that has nearly Awakened, but managed to return to their humanoid form, albeit with permanent changes to their abilities. Most Claymores cannot use 80% or more of their power at any given time without Awakening, but these warriors have a much greater degree of flexibility in that sense, and can safely reach that 80% mark as they please.